Dawn Carole (Dienst) Swenson, age 77 of Salem, IL and Venice, FL, formerly of Leland, IL passed away at her home surrounded by family on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Dawn was born November 22, 1946, in Aurora, IL to the late Carl and Charlotte (nee Hage) Dienst, their second child. Following her graduation from Somonauk High School, she was married two months later on August 2, 1964, to James Burdell Swenson at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, the same church in which she was confirmed and faithfully attended during her childhood.
Dawn moved through life with an unshakeable sense of strength, self-assuredness, and faith in God. Her spiritual gift of hospitality and honed hostess abilities came in handy during the 26 years spent on the farm south of Leland. Following a move to Colorado Springs, CO in 1990, Dawn continued to open their home to countless family members, Air Force Academy cadets, and friends from church, making every person feel warmth and love through her presence and, of course, her rich, delicious meals. She had many jobs over her life, but her favorite was her work at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. After retirement and a move to Venice, FL, she volunteered countless hours with Agape Flight. After returning to Illinois in 2005, her commitment to her family, faith, and community never wavered. She volunteered countless hours and was a dedicated member of her churches. She was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, always living to point others to Jesus. Her rich legacy includes baking countless wedding cakes, playing lively games of cards and dominos, and seamlessly weaving others into her cozy, curated slice of life.
Dawn is survived by her loving husband, James Swenson, with whom she shared 60 incredible years of marriage; daughters, Patricia Swenson-Hedlund (Kent) and Michelle Lape (Jeff); sons, Kris Swenson and Phillip Swenson (Jenn Tellefson); sister, Cheryl Hearn (Ward); brother, Kevin Dienst (Ann); brother-in-law, Dave Swenson (Susan); sister-in-law, Diane Skinner (Mike); step mother-in-law, Patsy Swenson; step-sister-in-law, Vonda McConnell (Sean); 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Kim Lee Dienst; father-in-law, Burdell Swenson; and mother-in-law, Marilyn Swenson.
Funeral Services for Dawn Carole Swenson will be held at Noon on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Feldmann and Dennis Liebich officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church.
A second Funeral Service will be held at Noon on Monday, September 9, 2024, at St. Petrie Lutheran Church in Leland, IL. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service at the church. Burial will follow in Baker Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Agape Flights Inc., Salem Lutheran Church-2nd Sunday Sacrifice, or the St. Petrie Lutheran Church in Leland, IL. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
